Slashed tyres, discarded needles, break-ins and intimidatory tactics have residents of a Cleveland apartment block fearing for their safety.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The residents at 22 Passage Street, operated by Horizon Housing Company, say their repeated pleas for help are being ignored by authorities.
About 20 tenants met with Horizon Housing representatives before Christmas to air their concerns.
One man who spoke to the Redland City Bulletin said problems had been constant in recent years.
He was woken by the sound of rushing air in the building's car park in a recent incident, and found vandals had slashed the tyres on every car at about 3.30am.
The man said he was afraid to investigate further because the lights in the car park were not working.
"It was pitch black down there," the man, who did not want to be named, said.
He said he had been intimidated by men while trying to come to the aid of a semi-conscious woman in a hallway.
A female resident said she felt like a prisoner in her home.
- Read more: Marnus the Messiah is top of the Test pops
- Read more: Stay safe on New Year's Eve
- Read more: Crime spree as thieves target Redlands homes
The woman implored authorities to listen to her and her neighbours.
"A lot of these people have been professionals," she said.
"We're not the dregs of society. Some of us have served our country."
Other residents have reported finding discarded needles around the property, and malfunctioning CCTV cameras which were not keeping them safe.
"I was told the CCTV camera isn't working. What's the point of it if it's not working," one woman said.
"I've got nowhere else to go. I can't afford to go to elsewhere and pay $350 a week rent."
A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed officers had attended multiple call-outs to the apartment building.
The spokesman urged residents to consider their security.
"We always encourage residents, no matter where they live, to lock their vehicles and homes and leave any valuables out of sight," the spokesman said.
A Horizon Housing spokesman said the company took the safety of its residents seriously.
"We are working closely with the Queensland Police Service to identify the persons responsible, including a review of the CCTV footage at the complex," the spokesman said.
"In relation to any criminal activity, we encourage anyone to contact QPS at Cleveland on 3824 9333.
"As an immediate step, regular security patrols have been organised with a security company."
Read more local news here
